Six killed in Krakow market shooting, Poland launches terrorism probe
A gunman opened fire in Krakow's Main Market Square, killing six and wounding 15, prompting a national mourning period and a terrorism investigation.
Police in Krakow combed the city’s Main Market Square on Sunday, Nov. 8, after a gunman killed six people and injured 15, including two officers who stopped the attack. Authorities said the 24-year-old suspect, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, drove around the square firing at random before being confronted by police. The investigation, now classified as terrorism, uncovered the bodies of the suspect’s parents and sister at his home and found additional weapons in his car. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski said the gunman appeared to be "fascinated by far-right ideologies."
Victims included a British man and an Austrian woman. The city, known for its historic market, has been described as one of the safest places in Europe, a sentiment echoed by local resident Weronika Filar, who said she was "absolutely devastated" and that the city "will never be the same." City guide Krzysztof Stepien expressed shock, noting that similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in Europe but not in Poland.
Polish prosecutors have opened a terrorism case, and a special mass was held at Krakow Cathedral. Cardinal Grzegorz Rys called for unity in his announcement of the service. Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised the police, saying, "Our highest praise goes to the heroic police officers who risked their lives in the line of duty." One officer, Jakub Kulik, was highlighted for confronting the attacker despite being wounded, prompting a blood-donor appeal.
The attack has sparked public solidarity, with millions of zlotys raised for the wounded officers and candles and flowers placed around the square. Commentators have described the incident as an attack on Poland’s sense of security and warned of rising extremist threats.